The president of the Philippines will lead today (January 20, 2013) a National Day of Prayer in solidarity to the victims of the recent supertyphoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan)and in recognition of the steadfast faith that triumph during this tragic catastrophe.

The typhoon has destroy large part of Visayas leaving almost 6000 people dead, houses and infrastructures flattened out, and thousands survivors displaced. Response from the government has been slow – many of the dead bodies are still waiting to be buried, low standard bunkhouses for evacuees, rehabilitation has little progress, and no concrete plan has been laid out.

Now the government, instead of doing work, has instead decided to declare a National Day of Prayer. Maybe this is an expected move from the government considering that the country is the largest Catholic nation in Asia.

Presidential Communications Operation Secretary Cesar Coloma reflected on the strength of the Filipinos saying, “Some of you have marveled at the resilience of our nation, a people whose faith, though challenged, remains constant and only deepened. Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us.”Maybe this will bring comfort to the victims, that somebody up there is still guiding them after this disaster. That he has greater plan after saving them and letting other die. That maybe he will listen now, after he did not listen to the prayers to spare the country.

Maybe he will listen now after 6000 innocents have suffered and died during this calamity. Maybe. Or not.

If this is the best that my government can do in situations like this, I should feel worried. I am worried.Continue reading